Curfew extended in Martinique in response to social tensions

In response to the violent demonstrations against the high cost of living, the night-time curfew introduced in Martinique has been extended until 28 October, as announced by the prefecture on Monday 21 October. Since 10 October, the island has been subject to this restrictive measure, banning all travel between midnight and 5am.

A return to normality still seems a long way off for the people of Martinique. The extension of the curfew is also accompanied by restrictions on the sale and transport of fuel, and on the use of pyrotechnic devices. This decision comes at a time when the island is still experiencing unrest, with several roadblocks and sporadic violence.

A climate of persistent tension

Despite some calmer nights last week, the situation remains worrying. The prefecture reported an upsurge in incidents on Sunday night, with a dozen blockades reported and one member of the police force injured.

The protests, mainly motivated by the cost of living, continue to agitate the local population. The movement, largely supported by the Rassemblement pour la protection des peuples et des ressources afro-caribéens (RPPRAC), brought together thousands of demonstrators on Saturday. They denounced the absence of a satisfactory agreement between the government, distributors and representatives of the movement, describing the negotiations as ‘a shambles’.